GOLD Coast-reared, Los Angeles-based teen pop sensation Cody Simpson confesses he may have been ”a little bit homesick” when he named his new album Surfers Paradise.


The album is due for release on July 16 before Simpson joins Canadian Justin Bieber’s Believe Australian tour which debuts at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on November 27.


”Its influences are certainly from close to home, the places I grew up, stuff like that,” said the former All Saints Anglican schoolboy-turned internet sensation, who signed a recording contract and moved to the US with his family three years ago.


”It reflects the sounds of the music I love. It’s a classic summer album, with plenty of acoustic guitar and some ukulele.”


The longplayer features collaborations with Ziggy Marley (Love) and Asher Roth (Imma Be Cool).


”Ziggy recorded his bit in another country. It had to be done quickly so he jumped in a studio and did it,” Simpson said.


”Asher, he’s become a good mate. He’s a great rapper, a cool guy and kind of a hippy.”


Phoning from a US tour stop in Chicago, Simpson, 17, couldn’t wait to perform new songs for fans from home.


”This will be my first tour of Australia and I’m excited. I came back for the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards and there were some gigs during visits, maybe four in all. But that’s a long time ago and a lot has happened since. It’s a chance to show everyone what I can do now.”


Simpson, who joined Bieber’s tour in the US late last year and Europe early this year, has defended his fellow muso and friend against reports he had gone off the rails.


From www.goldcoast.com.au